DUBLIN - Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern praised Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams's appeal for an end to IRA violence, but said that "nothing less than a complete and decisive end" to all its paramilitary activities and capabilities would lead to lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
"Gerry Adams's appeal to the IRA today is significant and has potential," Ahern said in a statement.
"However, ultimately this statement can only be judged on the basis of the IRA's actions" on the ground.
"Nothing less than a complete and decisive end to all IRA activity and capability will be acceptable if there is to be any prospect of achieving inclusive politics in Northern Ireland," he added.
The Irish leader's remarks mirrored the response given in London to Adams's speech.
Prime Minister Tony Blair also hailed as "significant" the call for all IRA members to drop violence and embrace democratic politics.
But his spokesman said the "final judgment" would rest with how the IRA responds to the call.
Adams, who leads the largest Catholic party in Northern Ireland, conceded in his speech that the IRA had lost support following a string of crimes blamed on it and its members, and was now an impediment to the peace process.
He said Northern Ireland republicans who want union with Ireland faced a "defining moment" in which to turn against crime and rebuild support.
"The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally," he said.
"I want to use this occasion therefore to appeal to the leadership of (the IRA) to fully embrace and accept this alternative," Adams said.
04/06/2005 16:37 GMT